10 reasons to step into spring

Exercising at any time of the year is good for our bodies and our souls. But there’s something extra special about exercising outdoors in spring. We’ve put together a list of our 10 favourite reasons to get Ruling over the next few months.

It’s the perfect climate – it’s not too cold, and not too hot. You don’t need to rug up like the Michelin Man to venture outside, nor will you morph into a sweaty, red-faced tomato halfway through your run. Spring is the sweet spot of outdoor exercise temperatures.

You get FREE vitamin D!Studies have long shown that vitamin D (which naturally comes from the sun) contains calcium and phosphorus, which helps to keep our bones and teeth strong. But a more recent study found a link between when exercise and “sunshine” vitamin D are working together they can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Nothing beats getting some fresh air during a workout – especially when there are so many pretty gardens blooming. Sure, gyms have their advantages, but hard as they might try to rid themselves of it, every gym has a unique, yet unmistakable ‘sweat smell’. Exercising outdoors gives you an instant fresh air injection. Plus, you can stop and smell the roses if you need a short break.

The days are getting longer, meaning you can make the most of a walk or run before or after work, without the worry of exercising in darkness. No more clumsy 6:00am gutter trips!

People are friendlier. While this may or may not be completely anecdotal, spring tends to make people more positive all round. Fellow walkers and joggers have come out of hibernation and they’re more inclined to smile, nod and greet you with a cheery g’day.

There are legitimate mental perks to exercising in green spaces. A 2011 study found that compared to indoor/gym exercise, outdoor exercise had a greater positive effect on mental health, including decreasing tension, confusion, anger and depression. It gives legs to the phrase “I’m going for a walk to clear my head”.

Is it just us, or is there suddenly a tonne of fun runs to partake in? Grabbing a mate and running for a good cause, (or recognition!) makes it all so much easier, and fun!

Along with all the mental health benefits of exercising outdoors, studies have shown working out in the sunshine can actually help to lower blood pressure too.

Remember those parks with gym equipment you’ve been driving past during winter saying “when it warms up, I’m totally going to use them”. Now is the time! Going for a walk or run outside means you can work these park gems into your workout, without having to fork out for a gym membership.

It’s good for the environment. You don’t need to drive your car anywhere, or plug in a treadmill, or use an air conditioner to cool down. It’s completely eco-friendly!